Systems thinking: taming complexity in project management

Sheffield, James; Sankaran, Shankar; Haslett, Tim

doi:10.1108/10748121211235787

Cited by 54 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Systems thinking is an effective approach in capturing complexity and dynamic interactions in projects (Sheffield et al, 2012). A system, in general, is a collection of components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions.…”

Section: Construction Projects As Systems-of-systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A System-of-Systems Framework for Performance Assessment in Complex Construction Projects

Zhu

Mostafavi

2014

OTMCJ

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Performance inefficiency is a critical challenge facing the construction industry. Despite the efforts made in the existing body of literature, an integrated theory of performance assessment facilitating a bottom-up understanding of the dynamic behaviors, uncertainties, and interdependencies between the constituents in construction projects is still missing. The traditional paradigm for performance assessment is mainly based on a reductionism perspective, in which construction projects are identified as monolithic systems. However, complex construction projects are systems-of-systems. Systems-of-systems have unique traits that are different from those of monolithic systems. Failure to investigate construction projects as systems-of-systems has led to theoretical and methodological limitations in the creation of integrated tools and techniques for better assessment of performance in complex construction projects. To address these theoretical and methodological limitations, a system-of-systems framework is proposed as a theoretical lens and methodological structure toward creation of tools and techniques for integrated performance assessment of complex construction projects. Two principles (i.e., base-level abstraction and multi-level aggregation) are used to develop the proposed framework. The proposed framework facilitates a bottom-up evaluation of the dynamic behaviors, uncertainties, and interdependencies between the constituents in construction projects. The capabilities of the proposed framework show its potential in addressing the limitations pertaining to the traditional frameworks for performance assessment. Hence, it can be adopted and tested by researchers to advance the body of knowledge and create integrated theories of performance assessment in complex construction projects.

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Section: Construction Projects As Systems-of-systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A System-of-Systems Framework for Performance Assessment in Complex Construction Projects

Zhu

Mostafavi

2014

OTMCJ

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“…The structure of the literature review formed a hierarchical configuration approach to building an understanding of the project governance topic through a system theory lens (Mostafavi, Abraham, & Lee, 2012). Sheffield, Sankaran, and Haslett (2012) stated the systems approach represents a strategy defining the overall organization's support, segregated by operational entities, and defined by particular characteristics. Additionally, each system is defined as a whole, and all systems have a feedback loop for selfcommunications (von Bertalanffy, 1968).…”

Section: Foundation and Conceptual Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Building Productivity in Virtual Project Teams

Hamersly¹,

Land²

2015

GeP

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The steady increase in project failure rates is leaving businesses searching for better integration techniques to virtualize their project environments. Through virtualization, organizations may have positive impacts on communities across geographical boundaries and resource constraints. The focus of this phenomenological study was to explore, via the experiences of successful project management practitioners, best practice strategies for integrating virtual project teams through data analysis. The conceptual framework included von Bertalanffy's general systems theory, decomposition model of business process and project management frameworks, and the recomposition approach. Twenty-two senior project managers with more than 5 years of experience managing virtual project environments participated in semistructured telephone interviews. The van Kaam process employing normalization and bracketing approaches in data analysis resulted in the emergence of 34 thematic categories. The 10 most common themes culminated in the identification of strategies relevant for virtual project teams. The major themes pertained to 3 broad areas: (a) structure that accommodates skills and technology for virtual team success, (b) governance leading to efficient virtual project team management, and (c) collaboration practices across diverse environments. This study involved the exploration of the experiences of the participants. Using the van Kaam method for normalization of the data and clustering like experiences into thematic statements, the study provided a plethora of new information concentrated on 10 themes that emerged.

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“…The holistic risk management framework, systematic research design process and quantitative supply chain risk modelling brings together a unique capability for capturing the overall behavioural performance of risks. More recently the systems oriented approach has been identified to be promising for modelling complex and dynamic problems (Cheng and Kam, 2008;Oehmen et al, 2009;Tang and Nurmaya Musa, 2010;Sheffield et al, 2012). The research intends to add to the existing work in SCRM by developing a holistic, systematic and quantitative risk assessment approach for measuring the overall risk behaviour.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systems approach for modelling supply chain risks

Ghadge

Dani

Chester

et al. 2013

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal

184

131

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Purpose -With increasing exposure to disruptions, it is vital for supply chains to manage risks proactively. Prediction of potential failure points and overall impact of these risks is challenging. In this paper, systems thinking concepts are applied for modelling supply chain risks. The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic, systematic and quantitative risk assessment process for measuring the overall risk behaviour. Design/methodology/approach -A framework for supply chain risk management (SCRM) is developed and tested using an industrial case study. A systematically developed research design is employed to capture the dynamic behaviour of risks. Additionally, a system-based supply chain risk model is conceptualized for risk modelling. Sensitivity modelling results are combined for validating the supply chain risk model. Findings -The systems approach for modelling supply chain risks predicts the failure points along with their overall risk impact in the supply chain network. System-based risk modelling provides a holistic picture of risk behavioural performance, which is difficult to realise through other research methodologies commonly preferred in SCRM research. Practical implications -The developed framework for SCRM is tested in an industry setting for its viability. The framework for SCRM along with the supply chain risk model is expected to benefit practitioners in understanding the intricacies of supply chain risks. The system model for risk assessment is a working tool which could provide a perspective of future disruptive events. Originality/value -A holistic, systematic and quantitative risk modelling mechanism for capturing overall behaviour of risks is a valuable contribution of this research. The paper presents a new perspective towards using systems thinking for modelling supply chain risks.

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Systems thinking: taming complexity in project management

Cited by 54 publications

References 7 publications

A System-of-Systems Framework for Performance Assessment in Complex Construction Projects

A System-of-Systems Framework for Performance Assessment in Complex Construction Projects

Building Productivity in Virtual Project Teams

A systems approach for modelling supply chain risks

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